Kenneth Okonkwo – Channels Television”/>
Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo, a member of the Labour Party (LP), expressed his strong criticism towards the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its failure to present its defence at the presidential election petition tribunal on Monday, VANGUARD NEWS reports.
Taking to Twitter, Okonkwo suggested that the electoral commission might have encountered a ” technical glitch, ” resulting in the absence of its witnesses.
Reports revealed that INEC commenced its defence of the February 25 presidential election on an uncertain footing as its witnesses failed to appear in court on Monday.
Abubakar Balarabe Mahmood, SAN, the commission’ s lead counsel, had informed the court of his intention to call three witnesses to refute the allegations made by the LP and its Presidential candidate, Peter Gregory Obi.
However, he expressed disappointment that none of the witnesses were present in court due to personal reasons. Mahmood humbly requested the court’ s understanding and sought an adjournment to further prepare his defence.
The court subsequently adjourned the hearing to July 4 for continuation. Nevertheless, Okonkwo argued that INEC’ s inability to present its defence amounted to a wasteful expenditure of fuel, which he attributed to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government, claiming that it burdens ordinary Nigerians.
Okonkwo’ s criticism underscores the frustration felt by many over the delay in INEC’ s defence and the perceived impact on the general populace.
The adjournment provides an opportunity for the commission to regroup and address the concerns raised, ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.
He wrote, ” Today (sic) was slated for INEC to open their case at the Presidential Election Petition Court. Not surprisingly, they failed to produce any witness, claiming their witness disappointed them.
” Must INEC continue to have a ” technical glitch” even in their own case? What a waste of fuel, which this APC government has raised beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians like us. The petition is adjourned to tomorrow, July 4 2023, for the continuation of the hearing. “
Source:
SocietyDaily (
)
